Author Archives: woodworksbyjohn

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About woodworksbyjohn

I'm a retired woodshop teacher. I build one of a kind furniture pieces and custom picture frames. You can see some of my currently available work, boxes, carvings through my Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodworksbyJohn?ref=si_shop Contact me about your project -- always up for the challenge of unique work.

Floater Frame — A Furniture Builders Method

Posted on September 8, 2017 by woodworksbyjohn

To be sure, if there’s one thing I can be accused of it’s of over-building and/or over-thinking a project.  Recently Diane asked for a floater frame for a recent work of hers.  I can’t show the completed picture of it … Continue reading →

Posted in Artist, Picture Frames | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Sliding Door Almost Complete

Posted on August 24, 2017 by woodworksbyjohn

This sliding door is taking up most of the available floor space I have in the shop.  Roughly 5′ x 7′ means that when I have it on sawhorses now to do the finish work I can barely get around … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Commission | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Sliding Door: Joinery

Posted on August 21, 2017 by woodworksbyjohn

The last blog was all about preparing the stock for this sliding door which is followed by the joinery.  All joints are mortise and tenon and vary from 2″ to 1 1/2″ in length.  Following the 1/3 customary rule they … Continue reading →

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New Commission: Sliding Door

Posted on August 17, 2017 by woodworksbyjohn

We have a new neighbor across the street and I’ve been commissioned to build a door.   It will be made of Cherry with tempered glass in the upper section.  With an over-all the size of 56″ wide and 85″ … Continue reading →

Posted in Hand Tool Woodworking, Hybrid Woodworking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Patio Table is Done!

Posted on August 7, 2017 by woodworksbyjohn

Happy to say that the table is done and with the help of a neighbor it’s on the patio ready for the first outdoor meal!  Always rewarding to see anything you “conjured” up in your mind, then put on paper, … Continue reading →

Posted in Patio Table | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Patio Table: Phase 2

Posted on July 28, 2017 by woodworksbyjohn

In the last blog the table base was in progress.  Fine Woodworking had a video series by Gary Rogowski showing the way he built a trestle table which I used for inspiration.  As you’ll see, I don’t like to build … Continue reading →

Posted in Mortise and Tenon Joint, Patio Table | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Patio Table

Posted on July 17, 2017 by woodworksbyjohn

Thankfully, there’s always another project to keep me occupied — as you know; I don’t relax well.  Our house here is Phoenix has a large, covered back patio where Diane and I find ourselves having lunch daily.  What better project … Continue reading →

Posted in Hand Tool Woodworking, Mortise and Tenon Joint, Patio Table | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Keepsake Box Final Details

Posted on July 13, 2017 by woodworksbyjohn

Let me start this out by showing off the completed box and then boring you with the details later,  I’ve often said “it’s all about the wood” and in my mind this project exemplifies that! After glue up it was … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Commission, Etsy custom order, Etsy Store, Hand Cut Dovetails, Hand Tool Woodworking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Keepsake Box: Wenge & Spalted Maple

Posted on July 12, 2017 by woodworksbyjohn

It’s been over a month since my latest blog and that’s partially due to our summer schedule but also my latest Etsy commission is one that my client didn’t want to see until it was complete.  Here’s a picture of … Continue reading →

Posted in Etsy custom order, Etsy Store, Hand Cut Dovetails, Hand Tool Woodworking | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Making of Frame # 107

Posted on June 13, 2017 by woodworksbyjohn

I was reminded of a documentary film that followed the making of a Steinway Grand piano from start to finish as this picture frame started to take shape.  It came out around 2007 and maybe some of you other woodworkers … Continue reading →

Posted in Artist Furniture, Carving, Gilding, Hand Tool Woodworking, Picture Frames, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments